Newly-opened bridge in Bohol closed after approach collapsed

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol— A newly constructed bridge in Maribojoc town, Bohol, has been temporarily closed to vehicular traffic after a portion of its approach collapsed, disrupting transportation and affecting residents and businesses in the area.

The incident occurred at Bato Bridge in Barangay Cabawan on Tuesday morning when the limestone fill serving as the bridge’s access road gave way after the soil beneath it eroded and subsided.

Maribojoc is 14 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran.

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The bridge, which was completed and opened to traffic in late 2025, was built to improve connectivity between communities in western Bohol.

Residents said the bridge was constructed on soft soil, which may have affected the approach section. Heavy rains and persistent flooding in recent months reportedly weakened the ground, causing the approach slab and its supporting earth foundation to sink and collapse.

Cracks had already been visible on portions of the bridge days before the collapse, raising concerns among residents.

Authorities are still conducting an assessment to determine the exact cause of the structural failure and the extent of the damage.

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The closure has forced residents to walk approximately half a kilometer from the national highway before reaching the damaged bridge. Many pedestrians have been crossing through the side of the structure to reach the other end.

Grace, a resident whose surname was withheld upon request, said the bridge closure has disrupted her mineral water delivery business.

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“My deliveries can only reach the bridge now, and I have to meet customers on the other side. I hope the repairs can be completed quickly because this has become a major inconvenience for us,” she said.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes while repair and assessment work is underway.

READ: Detour bridge in Ilocos Sur collapses due to overloaded truck

As of press time, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering Office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, the extent of the damage, or the timeline for repairs and reopening.

No injuries were reported in connection with the collapse.

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Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the affected area and follow traffic advisories until the bridge is declared safe for use./coa